Chapter 24 #4
His dark eyes, the color of dark chocolate, studied her face with gentle consideration as he inclined his head toward Tyr. When he spoke, his voice carried the cultured tones of old-world European nobility.
"Welcome, little sister." Antonio's smile held genuine warmth. "Are you well? The Turning can be... overwhelming, even under the best circumstances. We had no idea if it was even possible for a shifter."
Beth found herself automatically sitting straighter against the headboard, flushing faintly. "I'm doing well, thank you. There's still some pain where the bullet hit, but..."
"The wound has healed remarkably well," Tyr interjected, his hand settling protectively on her shoulder. "She's adjusting faster than expected."
Beth nodded, grateful for his supportive presence.
"Tyr's been explaining the rules to me - about feeding safely and keeping our existence secret.
" She straightened slightly, wanting to show proper respect to the ancient vampire.
"I already understand the importance of secrecy from being a shifter. "
Antonio nodded in approval. "Excellent. And I understand you've met our... formidable majordomo?"
Beth caught the flash of humor in his gaze, a surprising glimpse of mischief in his otherwise formal demeanor. The corner of his mouth twitched slightly as he mentioned Margot.
"Yes," Beth replied, fighting back a smile of her own as she remembered the twins' reaction to the commanding woman. "She was quite the personality. I almost jumped off the bed and stood at attention."
"Indeed." Antonio's rich voice held carefully controlled amusement. "Margot has that effect on everyone. Even those of us who have lived for centuries."
Antonio inclined his head gracefully to them both. "I'll leave you to your discussion. Rest well, little sister." His presence lingered for a moment after he glided from the room, like the echo of distant thunder.
Beth released a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. "Is every vampire going to drop by to check on me?" She heard multiple sets of footsteps in the hallway outside, along with whispered conversations just beyond her new ability to distinguish words.
"Very likely." Tyr's fingers traced soothing patterns on her shoulder.
"They all know you, or at least know about you.
And a new vampire in the clan is rare enough to cause excitement.
" His voice held a note of pride at the words.
"They'll want to make sure you're adjusting well.
And the Blood Sworn and the Pledges are going to be even more curious, probably.
" Tyr settled beside her on the bed. "Most of them have never met anyone newly Turned before.
It just isn't done - the clan leader's permission is required, and it's rarely granted. "
"Why not?"
"Too risky. Too many ways for things to go wrong, and now in these days, it's even more risky between social media and surveillance cameras everywhere." Tyr's expression grew serious. "A new vampire who loses control could expose us all."
Beth absorbed that, understanding the weight of trust that had been placed in her. "But he approved me?"
"He did." Tyr's smile returned, warming his eyes. "He knows you already understand the importance of keeping supernatural secrets, given your life as a shifter. And..." He hesitated slightly. "He trusts my judgment where you're concerned. His main concern was that you consented."
Beth studied Tyr's troubled expression as his words trailed off. His shoulders tensed, and he turned away slightly, his gaze distant.
"I don't know what I would have done if you hadn't been conscious," he admitted, his voice rough with emotion. "If you hadn't been able to give permission..." His fingers clenched into a fist. "I'm afraid I might have Turned you anyway. The thought of losing you..."
The raw pain in his voice made Beth's chest tighten. She reached up, cupping his cheek with her palm.
"Hey," she said softly, turning his face back toward her. "I did agree. I chose this. Chose you." Her thumb traced along his cheekbone. "And I'd make the same choice again."
The tension in Tyr's shoulders eased slightly under her touch, though worry still clouded his eyes.
"You don't understand," he whispered. "The laws about Turning without permission are absolute. If I had..." He swallowed hard. "Even to save your life, it would have been unforgivable."
Beth kept her hand against his cheek, anchoring him to the present moment. "But you didn't. You asked, and I said yes." She held his troubled gaze. "That's what matters."
Beth's eyelids grew increasingly heavy as exhaustion took hold, the healing process demanding rest. Muscles relaxed into pleasant languidness while she sunk deeper into the luxurious mattress. The transformation and day's events had taken their toll.
"You should sleep," Tyr said softly. "I'll be just a phone call away if you need anything."
A sleepy giggle escaped her lips as she pressed the button to recline the head of the bed. She snuggled deeper into the silk-covered pillow. "Or a pull of the bell cord."
Tyr chuckled, pulling the covers over her. "That too."
Beth frowned slightly as she shifted position, noticing how the mattress seemed to cradle her body perfectly. "Is this memory foam?"
"It is." Tyr's grin held a touch of pride. "With a cooling gel layer."
Beth stared at him, momentarily stunned by this modern convenience in his otherwise antique-filled chamber.
He shrugged, looking almost sheepish. "Vampires have low body temperatures. I hate getting too warm when I sleep."
"Is that why vampires are often shown sleeping on top of crypts and marble slabs in movies and stuff?" Beth asked, curiosity temporarily overriding her exhaustion.
"Yeah." His grin widened. "When they're not shown sleeping in coffins, which by the way was never a thing. That's pure fiction."
Beth's eyelids grew heavier as exhaustion pulled at her consciousness.
Even with her eyes closed, she could track Tyr's presence at the bedside.
Her new vampire senses picked up the steady rhythm of his unnecessary breathing, matching the rise and fall of his chest. The sound anchored her, familiar yet different through her transformed hearing.
Her own chest rose and fell in unconscious synchronization with his.
The last remnants of pain from her healing wound faded into a distant ache as sleep crept closer.
Whisper stirred lazily in her mind, the leopard's presence a warm golden glow beneath her consciousness.
Her animal spirit settled into a contented purr, completely at ease with both her transformation and Tyr's protective vigil.
The last thing she registered before surrendering to slumber was the soft press of his lips against her forehead and his whispered, "Rest well, my Chosen."